Students looking to learn a new sport while building connections and boosting their confidence can find a place in the Martial Arts Club at Iowa State.

The organization provides students with the opportunity to choose between three different arts to practice and perfect their skills: taekwondo, hapkido and judo. Each involves different techniques and are used for different purposes. For example, hapkido is practiced mostly for self-defense, while judo can be used in combat.

Lindsay Whitehead, former club president and senior in chemical engineering, spoke about the benefits of joining.

“Our club is great for people who are looking to try something new to get a little bit out of their comfort zone and to gain a lot of confidence in themselves,” Whitehead said. “Their confidence grows so much, and they’re able to really come into their own.”

Available to all students, the Martial Arts Club brings together a wide range of students with various levels of experience. Luke Bradshaw, a member of the club and senior in environmental science, spoke about the organization’s diversity.

“We gather a lot of people from different backgrounds and people have a lot of different ways of training,” Bradshaw said.

Along with twice-weekly practices, members also have the opportunity to participate in competitions to showcase their skills and build their relationships with one another. Bradshaw shared a memorable experience he had with a teammate after sustaining a shoulder injury while competing. 

“I was totally tapped out,” Bradshaw said. “One of my good friends and training partners, Ryan, did a great job of lifting my spirits… I appreciate him a lot.”

According to club advisor Soeren Prell, students at any experience level can join and try out their skills.

“Anybody can stop by and do a practice,” Prell said. “[Or] maybe just watch if they don’t want to immediately jump into a practice.”

For more information, visit the organization’s website.